Although masonry chimneys are built to last for a lifetime, the bricks and mortar do suffer from erosion damage over the years. This type of damage can be accelerated by water penetration and quickly lead to extensive structural damage, and this is why the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) has called water the biggest enemy of masonry chimneys. To have masonry damage repaired properly, you need chimney technicians who are experienced masons and know the differences between mortar mixes. Ashbusters is proud to have chimney masonry experts on our staff, and we have years of experience in rebuilding and restoring masonry chimneys. We would like to tell you about the different types of masonry repairs your chimney may need.
TUCKPOINTING
If you are looking to buy an older home, you may find that the chimney has been neglected over time and needs to be restored in order for the fireplace to be safe to use. Homes built before the 1930’s need special attention as the mortar used to construct the chimneys did not contain Portland cement, which means the mortar is much weaker than today’s mortar. To properly restore older chimneys, you need a chimney mason who is experienced in tuckpointing. Ashbusters offers tuckpointing restoration, and our masons will remove all of the old and damaged mortar and replace it with mortar by tucking it in between the bricks with pointed tools. We will be sure the new mortar color matches the old mortar so that the repairs will not look like an obvious patch-up job.
REPLACING MISSING BRICKS AND MORTAR JOINTS
Masonry materials are naturally porous, which means bricks and mortar joints naturally absorb water from rain and melted ice and snow. This causes the masonry materials to erode over the years, and if left unrepaired, water leaks can occur in these areas. A lot of this damage occurs over the winter when the trapped water freezes and expands inside the bricks and mortar joints. When this water thaws, it causes the masonry materials to crack and break apart. To keep the structure of your chimney safe and sound, you need to have this kind of damage repaired as soon as possible. Ashbusters can replace missing and damaged bricks and mortar joints to restore your chimney’s structure.
If you are considering adding a new fireplace and chimney to your home, the chimney masons at Ashbusters also specialize in new chimney construction. Contact us to learn more about our chimney masonry services.